New pathways to trafficking victims’ protection? Intersection and synergies between the European Pact on Migration and Asylum and directive (EU) 2024/1712 for third-country national victims

Abstract

Victims of trafficking find themselves in an extraordinarily vulnerable position, having suffered severe violations of their human dignity and personal freedoms. This vulnerability is further intensified for those victims who are in an irregular situation within the European Union, as it complicates their ability to seek protection and support. Consequently, this paper offers a critical analysis of the legislative advancements introduced by instruments stemming from the European Pact on Migration and Asylum, as well as Directive (EU) 2024/1712, which amends Directive 2011/36/EU concerning the anti-trafficking framework in the European Union. The study aims to clarify the interactions and synergies between the trafficking and asylum systems, emphasizing both the – minimum – progress achieved and the persistent challenges in ensuring adequate protection for trafficking victims.